Structured Diabetes Education in Scotland

This article describes how Scotland is addressing the need to review structured diabetes education to support self-management and record this on the national database. A National Education Coordinator (NEC) was appointed to lead the development of structured diabetes education. The NEC was supported by an education lead from the 14 health boards and representation from paediatric, minority ethnic and patient groups.
Through literature searching, discussion, workshops and a consensus approach, the criteria for structured patient education were developed appropriate for the Scottish context. A process to review education programmes was established and reviewers trained in this role. Reviewers are professionals, patients and carers. Recording of education on the database utilises the process of education delivery. A website has been developed to host educational resources and signpost people to other appropriate information.
Four reviewed education programmes meet structured patient education criteria. Patients attending these programmes have their attendance recorded on the national database. The website is regularly sourced. It was concluded that Scotland has a process to review patient education programmes as to whether they meet structured education criteria, and a process to record attendance at this
education on its national database; the website continually updates staff and patients on educational initiatives.